Newsletter Issue #198

Posted: September 2nd, 2008

Welcome to Issue #198 of “A Christian Networker’s Perspective” Newsletter.

In today’s issue:

1. Re-launch of A Christian Netoworker’s Perspective – and NEW FORMAT!

2. Article – Are You the Fragrance of Christ?

3. Other Articles Around the Web

1. Re-launch of A Christian Networker’s Perspective – and NEW FORMAT!

As you have no doubt noticed the email newsletter ‘A Christian Networker’s Perspective’ (CNP) has been absent for the past several months. This period of absence was for a couple of reasons:

I gave a period of time for other goals to have a priority
I wanted time to reflect on a new format and delivery method for this newsletter

(For a deeper explanation, check out this page on the HISTORY of CNP.)

The period of time for other goals is passed and I am back and have goals to grow and develop CNP. The new format is a new website that will host the newsletter in a blog format. CNP will STILL BE AVAILABLE BY EMAIL. As a current subscriber you don’t need to do anything any you will get the newsletter each time it is posted by email. You can also follow along on the blog and through an RSS reader.

Other advantages of the new blog format will be the ability to link to articles and resources around the web, and for YOU to participate in discussion after each issue. Each newsletter will have an online comment section where you can share your thoughts and give feedback on that issue.

Other changes:

In general, I will attempt to publish one issue per week, however at times they may come a little more frequently or a little less frequently. Articles will be shorter and I will also share links to other articles I have written around the web.

CNP will remain focused on helping the Christian home business person to grow their business and integrate faith and business. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Visit the site by clicking on the title at the top of this article and comment at the end of this article!

Sincerely,

Danny Gamache

2. Are You the Fragrance of Christ?

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says:

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

The verse should be a challenge to all believers. We are called to be the “fragrance of the knowledge of [Jesus].” How are you doing at that? It is important that we frequently ask ourselves this question. It is very easy to go through life living just like everyone around us, and therefore carrying around the same “fragrance” as them.

What does it mean to have the fragrance of Christ?

It means to:

Live with love as our primary purpose: the love for God and the love for others (Matthew 22:36-40).
Always have an answer for your hope, but give it with gentleness and respect for others (1 Peter 3:15-16).
Become all things to all people so that you might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
Care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan – and all of those outsiders (James 1:27, Luke 10: 25-37).
Don’t complain or argue, be blameless in all you do (Philippians 2:14-15).

How do you live this kind of life in your home business?

Let love be your overriding motive – not profit - act with love even if it costs you profit.
Look to bring conversations around to spiritual topics, live in such away that they will ask you questions – if people are not asking you questions, how effective is your life witness?
Be a servant to others, going out of the way to be there for them.
Go where non-believers are. Don’t isolate yourself because of your beliefs. Certainly you will want to draw the line someplace, but don’t draw it too early. You need to meet people where they are.
Give money to those in need.
Elevate the outsider – treat them with a high level of respect, and speak highly of them in front of others.
Be gentle and respectful – don’t argue with people, don’t condemn them. The person on the street corner shouting out condemnation may speak some truth, but he does so in a way that no one will ever hear him.

Certainly the business run by a Christian should be different than a business run by a non-believer. Why? Because the owner themselves is different. The owner should be the fragrance of Christ. That will be very different indeed.

How is your business different? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Danny Gamache

http://dannyg.makemoreathome.com

3. Other Articles From Around The Web

Read stories from my recent mission trip to the Olympics:

http://dannygamache.blogspot.com/2008/08/olympic-stories.html

On the “Dumb Little Man” blog, I wrote a guest post about:

7 Tips to Develop the Habit of Daily Exercise

On my other blog, I wrote about:

A Story of Persistence, Goal Setting and Passion

I hope you enjoyed this issue. I look forward to comments with your thoughts on the new format.

God Bless,